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Gearing up for college can be a time of mixed emotions. You’re most likely running the entire gamut of feelings, from excitement to sentimentality to stress. After all, this is probably the first time you’ll be living on your own.

If you’re starting out in a dorm, it’s important to create a space that is comfortable and has all the essentials. But crafting a cozy, stylish living space doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With a bit of creativity and planning, you can deck out your dorm room to reflect your unique style, even on a tight budget.

Find Multi-Purpose Pieces

As many know, dorm rooms aren’t exactly the pinnacle of wide-open space. To combat the cramped capacity, you can choose multi-functional pieces that allow you to get the most out of the limited space you have to work with.

Consider these ways to maximize your space:

• Loft your bed and move your desk underneath to create more floor space.
• Raise your bed to make additional storage space underneath.
• Get a stool or ottoman with ample room inside to stow blankets, pillows, or other items.
• Find side tables with drawers or other storage, built-in lamps, or equipped with charging outlets.

Shop Secondhand

Hit up your local thrift stores, secondhand shops, social media marketplaces, and flea markets to find gently used items. Many people may assume that secondhand items will be old or undesirable, but you’ll likely be surprised at the quality of some of the items you find. Plus, you may luck out and snag some unique pieces that reflect your personality and desired aesthetic!

Light It Up

The lighting in dorm rooms tends to be very industrial. Adding your own pieces can transform your room from basic and dull to a bright and inviting space that reflects your unique personality.

Here are some ways to personalize your lighting setup:

• Desk lamps for homework and studying can be both fun and functional. You can find a super cute option that shines a light on your style!
• Floor lamps add height, making your room seem bigger and adding a bit of sophistication.
• LED string and rope lights are cute, fun, and functional. Plus, there are so many ways to use them! You can place them around the perimeter of your room, around your headboard, under your bed, or form them into a particular shape or even your initials! Most allow you to change the color based on your mood or work atmosphere.

Invest In Curtains

You’ll be amazed by how much even the simplest of curtains can make your new dorm room feel so much more like your new home. They can brighten up the place by offering a pop of color or make a great statement piece if you go with an intricate pattern or vibrant color.

Curtains also provide much more privacy than a plain window or blinds alone. If you choose to use blackout or other room-darkening curtains, they can provide some much-needed relief on those mornings when you need to sleep in after a late night of studying or having fun with friends.

Decorate Your Walls

Typically, you won’t be able to hang anything on your dorm walls with a hammer and nail or other standard hardware. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still bring some life to your plain white walls! Use temporary adhesive strips or hooks to hang decorations on your walls and add your own personal touch.

Consider livening up your space with some decorations like:

• Posters, tapestries, wall hangings, or other types of wall art.
• Photos of your family and friends for a small piece of home.
• A bulletin board to hang up your calendar, flyers about upcoming campus events, and sticky notes for assignments and other reminders.

Choose Statement Pieces

A statement piece adds character to a space and sets the tone for a design theme. It’s a bold or distinctive piece that draws attention and becomes the focal point in your room. You can base your room’s aesthetic around this piece or use it to tie everything together and make a cohesive space.

Here are some examples of statement pieces you can select to elevate your room design:

• Mirrors are an effective way to transform function into fashionable décor. They optimize your space and make your room appear larger. Whether you prefer a full-length floor mirror or wall-mounted, you can choose one that complements the theme of your room.
• Your bed will take up the largest portion of your living space, so this is an excellent opportunity to incorporate color or invoke a particular design concept with the bedding you pick. Choose blankets and throw pillows that complement your bedding and theme.
• A headboard can give the typical bland dorm room bed a more sophisticated look. This is another winning opportunity to reflect your personality and aesthetic in your room design.
• Bring a vibrant desk chair. While one may be included in your provided dorm furniture, that doesn’t mean you can’t bring your own chair if you already have one at home you love or if you see one during your shopping that fits your aesthetic. Plus, you’ll have even more seating options when you have friends or classmates over for studying or movie nights!

Tips to Stick to a Budget

College life is filled with unexpected costs. From books and supplies to meals out with friends and more, you want to keep your budget flexible. That means you don’t want to spend all your money decorating your dorm.

Consider the following tips to keep your finances in check:

• Shop the Deals: Stay on top of back-to-school sales with your favorite stores and bargain shop when possible. Take advantage of tax-free days in your area, if applicable.

 Coordinate with Roommates: If you have a roommate or two, reach out to them ahead of the school year. Ask what they plan on bringing so you don’t crowd your room with duplicate items.

• Ask About Rentals: Many colleges provide optional items that you can rent at affordable prices, such as microwaves, mini refrigerators, and more. Renting might be a better option – especially if you split the cost with your roommates.
• Redeem Gift Cards: If you received gift cards to celebrate your high school graduation (or have others lying around the house), now is a great time to put them to good use.

We’re Here to Help!

Decking out your dorm doesn’t have to be daunting. By shopping smartly, getting creative, and taking on some of your own DIY projects, you can easily transform your living space into your personalized sanctuary – without breaking the bank. Embrace the opportunity to express yourself in your new home away from home.

If you want to learn more about our products and services, we’re happy to help. Please stop by any of our convenient branch locations, Chat with us, or give us a call at 702-791-4777.

Each individual’s financial situation is unique and readers are encouraged to contact the Credit Union when seeking financial advice on the products and services discussed. This article is for educational purposes only; the authors assume no legal responsibility for the completeness or accuracy of the contents.